Graduate School Preparation
Whether you’re pursuing advanced study to deepen your expertise, shift careers, or increase your earning potential, preparation is key. This page will help you explore your options, assess your readiness, and prepare competitive applications. We’re here to support each step of your grad school journey.
Receive Support from Our Team
Need help figuring out if grad school is for you or optimizing your application materials? Career Services offers lifetime support for all UNLV students and alumni. Schedule an appointment through Handshake or contact us at careerlifedesign@unlv.edu.
What Should You Consider Before Applying to Grad School?
it is important to make informed decisions based on your goals, timeline, and resources. Below is a list of common decision factors to consider when deciding whether to attend graduate or professional school. Note that this list is not exhaustive, as each student’s path is unique.
- Career Start or Advancement: Is a graduate degree required for your field?
- Certificate Programs: Would a certificate provide similar value in less time?
- Financial/Affordability: Do you have the resources or need aid to afford it?
- Time Commitment: How long will it take to complete?
- Family Considerations: How will this impact your family or personal life?
- Full/Part-time Options: Will you study full- or part-time?
- Location and Modality: Online, hybrid, or in-person? In-state or out-of-state?
- Program Offerings: Does the school offer your desired program?
- Assistantships: Are there opportunities to support your studies financially and experientially?
- Faculty Reputation: What is the academic reputation of the faculty?
- Accreditation: Is the program accredited?
Be Proactive
Preparing for graduate school takes coordination. Be proactive by connecting with the right resources:
- Academic Advisor: Confirm you are on track to graduate and have met all academic requirements. UNLV Academic Advising
- Career Services: Review your resume, personal statement, and interview skills to ensure you’re a competitive applicant. Click here to schedule an appointment.
- Writing Center: Refine your personal statement, statement of purpose, or other written materials. Explore the UNLV Writing Center
- Pre-Professional Advising Center: Get guidance if you’re pursuing a professional program (e.g., law, medicine, dentistry).
- Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships: There are many resources available to help you fund graduate school. While your target institution can provide the most accurate information about costs and financial aid options, UNLV’s Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships can also guide you through funding opportunities and application processes.
- Graduate Admissions: Whether it’s at UNLV or another institution, contact the school you want to attend to verify you meet program prerequisites and understand application requirements and deadlines.
Should I Apply to Grad School Now or Later?
Timing matters and it’s up to you to determine when you want to apply. Some students apply immediately after undergrad, while other students find it more beneficial to wait. Consider the pros and cons:
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Meet with an academic advisor, career coach, or faculty mentor to discuss what’s right for you.
Different Types of Postgraduate Programs
Choosing the right postgraduate path starts with understanding your career goals, interests, and the time and resources you’re ready to invest. Postgraduate programs vary widely in length, focus, and outcomes—from short, targeted certificates to multi-year doctoral research. Whether you’re aiming to advance in your current field, transition to a new profession, or deepen your academic expertise, it’s important to explore the types of programs available and how each aligns with your personal and professional aspirations.
Master’s Degrees
Usually completed in one to two years, master’s degrees deepen your expertise in a specific field. Some focus on professional practice (e.g., Master of Social Work, Master of Public Health), while others prepare you for research and doctoral study (e.g., Master of Science, Master of Arts). These programs often combine coursework with projects, internships, or a thesis.
Professional Degrees
Professional degrees prepare you for careers that require certification or licensure, such as law (J.D.), medicine (M.D.), dentistry (D.D.S.), or pharmacy (Pharm.D.). These programs are intensive and combine classroom learning with hands-on training, clinical rotations, or fieldwork. Admission requirements vary, but many require prerequisite coursework and entrance exams.Doctoral Degrees
While some people may choose to get a master’s degree first, others may choose to go directly into a doctoral program. Doctoral programs are the highest level of academic study and may take three to seven years (or longer) to complete. They can be research-focused (Ph.D.)—requiring an original dissertation—or practice-oriented (Ed.D., DNP) for leadership and advanced professional work. Doctoral students typically engage in extensive research, teaching, and scholarly publication.
Certificate Programs
Postgraduate certificate programs are short-term, focused educational pathways designed to build specialized skills, enhance your credentials, or prepare you for a career change. They can range from a few months to a year and may be offered in-person, online, or in hybrid formats. Some certificates can be applied toward a future degree.
Aligning Your Program Selection with Your Goals
Choosing a postgraduate program isn’t just about picking a degree—it’s about making sure it moves you closer to your career and personal goals. Before committing, take time to reflect and research.
Clarify Your Goals
- What career or role am I targeting?
- Does this path require a graduate degree, licensure, or specific credentials?
- Example Path #1: Master of Social Work (MSW) for clinical social work and state licensure
- Example Path #2: MA in Communication for leadership roles in public relations or corporate communications
- Am I seeking deeper specialization, career advancement, or a transition to a new field?
Logistical Considerations
- Time Commitment: Can you dedicate one to seven years to your program?
- Program Format: Do you need full-time, part-time, online, or hybrid flexibility?
- Cost and Funding: Explore tuition, fees, and options like financial aid, assistantships, or fellowships.
- Intended Outcome: Will the program qualify you for licensure, promotion, or a specific career track?
Consider if a Certificate May Be Enough
- A shorter postgraduate certificate might be a better fit if you are exploring a new career area, building targeted skills to boost your current role, or are not ready to commit to a full degree program.
Consider Prototyping
Before making a decision, test your interest and readiness by:
- Shadowing professionals in your target field
- Attending graduate program info sessions or sample lectures
- Taking an introductory or related course
- Volunteering or interning in a relevant setting
- Speaking with current graduate students about their experience
- Scheduling informational interviews with professionals in your intended field to learn about the qualifications and skills they value most
Grad School Prep Timeline: What to Do and When
Planning ahead is key to a smooth grad school application process. Use this timeline to stay on track from early exploration to final decisions.
Preparation Years
Two Years Before Applying
- Start exploring whether grad school aligns with your goals.
- Begin researching programs, focusing on faculty interests, curriculum, and program location.
- Make a rough financial plan for application costs—including standardized test fees, application fees, and potential travel expenses for campus visits.
One Year Before Applying
- Deepen your research on programs and their admissions requirements.
- Look into scholarships, fellowships, and financial aid options.
- Start preparing for standardized tests by reviewing study materials or taking practice exams.
- Attend grad school fairs, info sessions, and related campus events.
- Create a plan for developing/refining your graduate school application materials.
Application Year
August to September
- Check if applications have opened for your target programs.
- Build a personal application timeline with all deadlines.
- Request letters of recommendation.
- Polish your resume and get feedback from a career advisor.
- Begin gathering information for school- and national-level fellowships.
October
- Take any required standardized tests if you haven’t already.
- Draft your statement of purpose and have it reviewed by a writing center or advisor.
- Request official transcripts.
- Complete financial aid and scholarship applications.
- Consider your backup options in case grad school isn’t your next step.
November to December
- Finalize and submit all applications.
- Gently follow up with recommenders to ensure letters are submitted on time.
- Confirm that each school has received all your materials.
Post-Application Period
January to March
- Prepare for interviews with a career advisor or set up a mock interview.
- Submit any remaining financial aid forms.
- Visit admitted programs in person if possible, or set up virtual chats with current students or recent alumni.
April to May
- Compare financial offers and overall program fit.
- Accept and decline admission offers by stated deadlines.
- Send thank-you notes to your recommenders and keep them updated on your plans.
June to August
- Take time to rest and recharge before school begins.
- Handle life logistics: schedule medical visits, move if needed, budget, and organize your schedule for the upcoming term.